My father has always wanted an E-Class but could not afford one. A few years ago he said to me that one day before he dies he will drive one. In 2003 my parents sold their house and bought a town home since they didn't need all the extra rooms anymore that my brother and I use to occupy years ago. He bought a used 2000 E320 that same year. He was so happy, he said it was like a dream come true. My father passed away in May of 2004 he had only enjoyed his car for less than a year. He passed away in his Mercedes Benz in a parking lot at a mall after he and my mom had just finished shopping and was about to drive off. He died of a heart attack. On his will he wanted me to have his car, so now I have it. Funny thing is, it's been 2 years now and the smell of his cologne is still pretty strong inside the car.

And, though this might seem obvious to those of us who didn't have to go through what you and your family just did; don't forget to take care of your MOM! May God bless you and your family during this difficult time.

I know how you feel...My dad had the same ambition: To own a Mercedes Benz in his lifetime...He could never do it because he was paying to put my sister and I through college.

His cancer got really bad last year while I was in grad school, and no one was sure whether he would make it...Luckily enough, I finished grad school, got a job, saved every penny and bought him a 2006 S430 for his 61st birthday. (We were trading in a 2005 Lexus LS430 with 7K miles, so it made it feasible)

I wonder how long he has to enjoy the car, but at least he has it. What is it about these cars that make people have such a long running love affair with them?

I'm sorry to hear about your dad. I hope your family is weathering the storm. Take it one day at a time...

Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts, I'm sure my father would of appreciate it also.

Sam (sv7887) I hope your father pulls through ok and live a long time to enjoy his new car. I have heard that happiness is the best cure for everything and I'm sure owning an S430 would make your father the happiest man on earth.